Years ago humorist Will Rogers said that there were three cities in this country that are as different as day and night but all three were worth visiting as often as possible. He named San Antonio, Texas, New Orleans, Louisiana and San Francisco, California. I definitely agree that the latter two cities are my favorites. Both are filled with history, beauty, mystery, charm, great food and excitement.
Every city has changed but San Francisco remains a city I have to visit at least once a year. My favorite hotel these days is the Hyatt Regency, 5 Embarcadero Center in the triangle of Market Street and California. You can leave your car in hotel parking and go on the cable car to Nob Hill, Chinatown and North Beach or the bus down on Market Street to shop at Union Square.
Atop the Hyatt Regency is one of the city’s best restaurants, Equinox. Serving dinner, cocktails and Sunday Brunch you have a 360 degree view of the famous city. One night I just grazed on appetizers, Noted for Clam Chowder, I agree it is very good, Absolut Vodka Shrimp Martini, 'shaken not stirred', Dungeness Crab Cake served with avocado salsa, crisp parsnips and filed greens, and Organic Fiji Apple and Celery root salad. They were all outstanding. Friends with me enjoyed lceberg wedge, Tomatoes and Point Reyes blue cheese with a house-made creamy Green Goddess Dressing, Chilean Seabass in a miso and sweet mirin glaze, jasmine rice and crisp vegetables, and a 12 oz salt crusted Prime rib au jus slow roasted on the bone.
The wine list is extensive. Most wine lists in San Francisco list half bottles as well as full bottles or wine by the glass. I highly recommend Equinox to any one visiting even if they don’t stay at the hotel. There is a coffee shop in the huge lobby open for lunch as well as breakfast. For reservations or more information call (415) 788-l231 or Fax 415 285-2045.
Many great restaurants are in walking distance of the Hotel. One night we decided to try Schroeder’s Cafe, 2110 Front Street, serving fine Bavarian Food since 1895. Under single family management since 1922 it is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Open on Saturdays for dinner only and closed on Sunday.
The Old World charm is as fresh and beautiful as when it first opened. A friendly staff immediately makes one feel at home. The massive bar decorated with steins, Antler horns, plaques and crests serves Dortmunder Kronen light and dark beer as well as beers from around the world.
During the cocktail hour each late afternoon there are many delicious appetizers available.
After cocktails the three of us enjoyed the following dishes: Head Cheese, German Potato Pancakes, Weiner Schnitzel, Jager New York Steak with Spatzle, and Grille Venison with pears. Each entree comes with great potatoes, red cabbage and Sauerkraut. You also have a choice of German Potato Salad or Cole Slaw .I have never had German Potato salad in this country or in Germany using the same recipe. Each section of the country makes a different version. At Schroeder’s it was an entirely new version for me. Dessert is extra but delicious; German Chocolate Cake, Apple Strudel and Linzer Torte were excellent. Dinner for three with one beer and six mixed drinks was $140. Inexpensive in today's market but quality all the way. Reservations suggested at 4l5 42l-4778.
One afternoon we took the cable car up California Street to Polk street. We walked half a block west on Polk to Swan’s Oyster Depot. One of the oldest restaurants in the City by the Bay it has only 18 stools. You line up and wait your turn. All oysters are opened while you wait. It truly is one of the best places to have fresh shrimp, crabs and oysters in the city.
This was a short visit, two nights and one day. But I got my San Francisco fix.
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